Review of Conformally Flat Approximation for Binary Neutron Star Initial Conditions

The spatially conformally flat approximation (CFA) is a viable method to deduce initial conditions for the subsequent evolution of binary neutron stars employing the full Einstein equations. Here we review the status of the original formulation of the CFA for the general relativistic hydrodynamic initial conditions of binary neutron stars. We illustrate the stability of the conformally flat condition on the hydrodynamics by numerically evolving ~100 quasi-circular orbits. We illustrate the use of this approximation for orbiting neutron stars in the quasi-circular orbit approximation to demonstrate the equation of state dependence of these initial conditions and how they might affect the emergent gravitational wave frequency as the stars approach the innermost stable circular orbit.Comment: 22 pages, 12 figures, revised as per referee recommendation

Gravitational Waveforms from Multiple-Orbit Simulations of Binary Neutron Stars

We study the gravitational wave emission of equal-mass neutron stars in binary orbits as the stars approach the inner most last stable circular orbit. We illustrate the extraction of gravitational wave forms in a sequence of quasi-circular orbit simulations including the general relativistic hydrodynamic response of the stars. We compare the computed results with the Newtonian and post Newtonian results and show that substantial differences can arise as the orbits approach the final inspiral

Dynamics of Disks and Warps

This chapter reviews theoretical work on the stellar dynamics of galaxy disks. All the known collective global instabilities are identified, and their mechanisms described in terms of local wave mechanics. A detailed discussion of warps and other bending waves is also given. The structure of bars in galaxies, and their effect on galaxy evolution, is now reasonably well understood, but there is still no convincing explanation for their origin and frequency. Spiral patterns have long presented a special challenge, and ideas and recent developments are reviewed. Other topics include scattering of disk stars and the survival of thin disks.Comment: Chapter accepted to appear in Planets, Stars and Stellar Systems, vol 5, ed G. Gilmore. 32 pages, 17 figures. Includes minor corrections made in proofs. Uses emulateapj.st

The short-term effect on alliance and satisfaction of using patient feedback scales in mental health out-patient treatment. A randomised controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The main aim was to investigate the effect of using two brief feedback scales in mental health out-patient treatment six weeks after starting treatment, compared to treatment as usual. Hypotheses were that use of feedback scales would improve treatment alliance and patient satisfaction.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>An open parallel-group randomised controlled trial was conducted in an out-patient unit in a mental health hospital in Central Norway. Eight therapists trained in using the feedback scales in the Partners for Change Outcome Management System (PCOMS) treated the intervention group. Seventeen therapists treated the controls, providing treatment without using feedback scales. The main outcome measures were treatment alliance and patient satisfaction.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Seventy-five patients participated. There were no differences between the groups in the intention to treat (ITT) analyses on alliance (mean difference = 0.08, 95% CI −0.44, 0.59, p = 0.760) or satisfaction (mean difference = 0.24, 95% CI −1.85, 2.32, p = 0.819), and no statistically significant differences between the groups in the per protocol (PP, n = 58) analyses on alliance (mean difference = 0.32, 95% CI −0.84, 3.16, p = 0.137) or satisfaction (mean difference = 1.16, 95% CI −0.84, 3.16, p = 0.248) six weeks after the treatment started. The effect size in favour of the PCOMS group increased from 0.07 for alliance and 0.06 for satisfaction in the intention to treat analysis to 0.40 on alliance and 0.31 for satisfaction in the per protocol analysis. Among the other outcomes, the PCOMS group had better motivation for treatment (estimated mean difference ITT: 0.29, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.57, p = 0.05, PP: 0.28, 95% CI 0.04, 0.52, p = 0.024).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Six weeks after starting treatment, there were no effects on alliance and satisfaction from using two brief feedback scales. Since the per protocol analyses showed higher effect sizes, future investigations in a larger study with longer follow-up are warranted.</p

Exploring the impact of changes in neurogenic urinary incontinence frequency and condition-specific quality of life on preference-based outcomes

&lt;b&gt;Purpose&lt;/b&gt; Many trials do not measure quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Therefore, decision analysts often map condition-specific outcomes to preference scores. We estimated the relationship between changes in preference scores and commonly reported condition-specific outcomes in patients with urinary incontinence (UI) due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity. &lt;b&gt;Methods&lt;/b&gt; In 59 patients recruited to a neurogenic UI trial, clinical outcomes (UI episodes), condition-specific quality of life (Incontinence Quality of Life Instrument (I-QOL)), and SF-6D preference scores were measured at enrollment and 24 weeks. We used multiple linear regression to estimate the impact on SF-6D scores of 50; 50–99 and 100% reductions in UI episodes and a 10-point improvement in I-QOL. &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt; By 24 weeks, mean (95% CI) daily UI episodes fell by 0.85 (0.04, 1.3) and mean I-QOL scores improved by 18 (12, 24). SF-6D scores increased by 0.03 (0.003, 0.058), due to improvements in role limitations. A ≥ 50% reduction in UI episodes was achieved by 49% of patients and corresponded to a 0.09 (0.02, 0.16) SF-6D increase. A ≥ 10-point increase in I-QOL was attained by 65% of patients and was associated with a 0.05 (−0.02, 0.12) SF-6D increase. &lt;b&gt;Conclusions&lt;/b&gt; These estimates provide preliminary data for decision analysts wishing to map neurogenic UI outcomes to preference scores

Profound, prelingual nonsyndromic deafness maps to chromosome 10q21 and is caused by a novel missense mutation in the Usher syndrome type IF gene PCDH15

We studied a consanguineous family (Family A) from the island of Newfoundland with an autosomal recessive form of prelingual, profound, nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss. A genome-wide scan mapped the deafness trait to 10q21-22 (max LOD score of 4.0; D10S196) and fine mapping revealed a 16 Mb ancestral haplotype in deaf relatives. The PCDH15 gene was mapped within the critical region and was an interesting candidate because truncating mutations cause Usher syndrome type IF (USH1F) and two missense mutations have been previously associated with isolated deafness (DFNB23). Sequencing of the PCDH15 gene revealed 33 sequencing variants. Three of these variants were homozygous exclusively in deaf siblings but only one of them was not seen in ethnically matched controls. This novel c.1583 T>A transversion predicts an amino-acid substitution of a valine with an aspartic acid at codon 528 (V528D). Like the two DFNB23 mutations, the V528D mutation in Family A occurs in a highly conserved extracellular cadherin (EC) domain of PCDH15 and is predicted to be more deleterious than the previously identified DFNB23 missense mutations (R134G and G262D). Physical assessment, vestibular and visual function testing in deaf adults ruled out syndromic deafness because of Usher syndrome. This study validates the DFNB23 designation and supports the hypothesis that missense mutations in conserved motifs of PCDH15 cause nonsyndromic hearing loss. This emerging genotype–phenotype correlation in USH1F is similar to that in several other USH1 genes and cautions against a prognosis of a dual sensory loss in deaf children found to be homozygous for hypomorphic mutations at the USH1F locus